The 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage officially began May 24, Pentecost Sunday, in St. Augustine, Fla., where Church leaders, pilgrims, clergy, and faithful gathered at the nation’s oldest settlement to launch the historic pilgrimage under the theme, “One Nation Under God.”

Speaking at the opening Mass and commissioning, Jason Shanks, president of the National Eucharistic Congress, reflected on the significance of beginning the pilgrimage in the place where Catholicism first took root in what would become the United States.

“We begin here in St. Augustine because this place tells the truth about our history,” Shanks said. “Before there was a republic, the Cross stood upon these shores.”

Shanks described the pilgrimage as “a moment of deep reflection, gratitude, and renewal” and called Americans to rediscover the spiritual foundation necessary for national unity and renewal. “‘One Nation Under God’ is not a declaration of greatness,” he said. “It is a confession of dependence. A nation that knows how to kneel is a nation capable of standing.”

The pilgrimage begins as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and seeks to highlight the deep Catholic roots present from the earliest days of American history.

“Beginning the 250th anniversary pilgrimage in St. Augustine, Florida helps us remember two things,” said Bishop Andrew Cozzens, chairman of the board of the National Eucharistic Congress.

“First, Catholic life in what became the United States began around the Mass, the parish, and the Eucharistic community; and second, that the Catholic story in America has always been culturally diverse, missionary, and bigger than any one region or ethnic group. In a year focused on the Declaration of Independence, St. Augustine reminds us of the desire of the Lord for unity.”

Bishop Erik Pohlmeier of the Diocese of St. Augustine welcomed pilgrims from across the country and emphasized the historic and spiritual significance of the city hosting the launch.

“All eyes of the Catholic Church in the United States will be on St. Augustine as this pilgrimage begins,” Bishop Pohlmeier said. “This is an opportunity for people to encounter Christ, walk together in faith, and publicly witness to the hope found in the Eucharist.”

Reflecting on the connection between America’s founding and the growth of Catholicism in the New World, Bishop Pohlmeier added: 

“As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we want to recognize the faith that developed alongside this country. The roots of Catholic faith had grown deeply in the years leading up to 1776, and this celebration is a call to embrace our legacy and carry the mission of the Gospel into the future.”

Over the coming weeks, perpetual pilgrims will travel thousands of miles along the Eastern Seaboard, participating in Masses, Eucharistic processions, service opportunities, and public events designed to invite people across the country into deeper encounter with Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.

“Together, let us move beyond division and toward communion,” Shanks said. “Beyond confusion and toward truth. Beyond self-interest and toward self-gift.”